Mare and Foal Sanctuary launches Christmas appeal after rescue of severely neglected young horse

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary has launched its Christmas appeal following the rescue of Bourbon, a two-year-old Arab colt whose case the charity says reflects a “desperate situation” facing many horses and their owners across the UK.

Bourbon was found earlier this year in a remote, overgrazed field in Cornwall, where compacted ground and mud left little grazing. When the charity’s Welfare Team reached him, he was severely underweight, his ribs and hips sharply visible. His dull, lifeless coat suggested a long period of ill health.

“Bourbon was in a desperate situation,” said Senior Field Officer Leah Brock, who coordinated the rescue. “The field was overgrazed, with no real grass for him to eat. He was extremely thin, and we suspected there were underlying health conditions that needed urgent, specialist investigation. Despite how he must have felt, he was calm throughout and took everything in his stride. When he arrived at the Sanctuary we were all shocked that he just walked quietly off the lorry.”

Bourbon was transported to the charity’s Beech Trees Veterinary and Welfare Assessment Centre in Newton Abbot, where his body condition was assessed as “poor.” He weighed around 120kg less than expected for a horse of his size and breed and even lost a further ten kilograms within five days. Vets quickly established that underlying health issues were fuelling his condition.

Blood tests revealed impaired liver function, prompting a carefully managed supplement plan to support healing. A structured feeding regime followed, including fibre feeds, unlimited hay and controlled grazing to prevent colic. Even with expert care, his progress was slow.

Leah explained: “Blood tests showed that his liver wasn’t functioning properly, and we believe it was damaged. We started a supplement regime to help his liver to heal.”

Vets also investigated a subtle head tilt with X-rays and neurological assessments. Leah said further diagnostics are ongoing: “When horses arrive in such poor shape, it can take months or even years of expert care to understand the problems and bring them back to full health.”

Despite this, Sanctuary staff say Bourbon’s temperament has been “remarkable”. Horse Care Team Member Georgina Ballard said: “He is a lovely youngster. He thrives on human interaction. He’s very gentle and sweet. You wouldn’t know he hadn’t had much handling. Aside from not picking up his feet or leading initially, he behaves like a well-handled horse, with no fear of humans.”

Bourbon is now living with a herd of young horses at one of the charity’s peaceful sites, enjoying proper grazing, space and ongoing veterinary supervision. Staff say he is “turning a corner,” but still faces a long journey to full recovery.

Bourbon’s story comes as new research from the RSPCA, published in its Horse Sense report, warns of an “equine welfare crisis” across England and Wales. The report concludes that “most equines in England and Wales, across all sectors of society, do not have the opportunity to experience a good quality of life”.

It cites widespread issues including obesity, gastric ulcers, lack of turnout, poor predictability, rough handling, inadequate social opportunities and delayed euthanasia. Many horses are kept in overstocked yards with insufficient grazing, often “for human convenience” rather than in ways that meet their basic needs.

The report also highlights major gaps in owner knowledge, lack of suitably equipped land, and a shortage of affordable facilities - all factors contributing to rising welfare concerns and neglect.

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary, founded in 1988, is one of the UK’s largest equine welfare charities specialising in rescue, rehabilitation and lifelong sanctuary care. It offers confidential, non-judgemental advice to owners and works to prevent crises wherever possible. But the charity fears that financial pressures, worsening weather and rising costs could leave more horses at risk this winter.

“As the nights draw in and the temperatures drop, we know that there are still many horses and ponies out there like Bourbon, who may need our help,” said Dawn Vincent, Director of Fundraising and Communications. “We are deeply grateful to our supporters, because without them we simply could not respond to these emergencies. Their generosity has given Bourbon a second chance and a safe, loving home this Christmas, but there are many more still in need. Without our supporters, more lives would be lost, and more animals would continue to suffer.”

With many families facing hardship this winter, equine charities expect a rise in welfare concerns as livery costs, feed prices and veterinary bills continue to climb.

“As we look back over our busy year, we’re humbled by how many horses and ponies are now safe and thriving because of public kindness,” added Dawn Vincent. “But Bourbon’s story shows that our work to protect them must continue. This winter, we’re asking people to give what they can so that we can continue to be there for the next Bourbon who needs us.”

Donations to The Mare and Foal Sanctuary’s Christmas appeal can be made at www.mareandfoal.org/bourbon or by calling 01626 882 660.